In the past decade this writer has had three bikes stolen and just as many saddles nicked too. It’s frustrating to say the least, but if parking your bike outside is a part of life, then sadly so is the threat of thieves. So when we hear of innovations in the area of bike protection, our ears perk up. Case in point: Tex—lock, an attractive, lightweight alternative to conventional chain locks.
We first saw Tex—lock at Eurobike trade show back in August, and are excited to see the German brand run by an all-female team of veteran industrial designers and engineers launch of Kickstarter this week.
UPDATE: Tex-Lock was successfully funded and is now avaialble for pre-order here]
The unique design uses a layered system of high-tech, woven materials that create a barrier that’s inherently difficult to break. The unique material design is extremely resilient to bolt cutters—more so than steel chainlink—fire and even ice-spray, as the lock’s fibers actually become increasingly resistant to cutting with a drop in temperature.
Though the team behind Tex—lock isn’t ready to claim it as significantly more secure than a heavy duty U-Lock—its tempered steel eyelets pose a potential weak point—the handsome rope lock is significantly lighter, quieter, and easier to shlep. For New Yorkers like us, each of these points add up in a big way.
